Key Facts & Information

Overview

Robots are no longer futuristic machines. Robots are here and now and are used in manufacturing, health care, service industries, and military applications. They perform tasks that are repetitive and hazardous—things that humans don't want to do or are unsafe to do. But robots are still machines, which means they require humans to build, maintain, program, and keep them functioning efficiently. Robotics technicians work with robotics engineers to build and test robots. They are responsible for installing and maintaining robots and keeping them in working order for their employers. If you are interested in working with robots, your future is here and now.

Training, Other Qualifications

Many employers encourage their robotics technicians to take additional college courses and gain a higher degree. They may offer educational fee reimbursement as a benefit to their employees undertaking further training.

Robotics technicians can become certified as a manufacturing technologist by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. To gain certification, the robotics technician must prepare for and pass a 3-hour examination. They must also have four years of combined experience and education.

Education and Training

The minimum degree required for an entry-level position as a robotics technician is an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology.

Nature of the Work

Watch this video to see what Jessica Amsden does as a robotics technician working in the area of automated manufacturing.

Watch this video to see what Jessica Amsden does as a robotics technician working in the area of automated manufacturing.

The word robot is derived from the word robota, which means "worker" in Czech, and that is what they do. Robots work to make life easier for humans. Robots do repetitive tasks that may injure or demean a human worker. They can also function in hazardous environments without any ill effects. But robots are machines and, like all machines, need someone to build, program, maintain, and fix them. Robotics technicians help design, test, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and fix robots and automation control systems.

There are two kinds of robotics technicians. Some robotics technicians work with engineers and designers to assemble robots and test them. They help to develop the computer programs that control the robot and direct them to do tasks. These technicians understand computers, electrical and electronic systems, sensors, and the inner workings of robots and automation control systems.

Other robotics technicians work with robots that are used in industrial manufacturing. These technicians are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting both the electrical and mechanical systems of the robot. They make sure that the robots are functioning efficiently so that the manufacturing floor never stops making products.

Robotics technicians can work on installing robots at plant sites. In this capacity, they are responsible for ensuring that the robot or automation control system is working properly. They must also train personnel on how to maintain and control the robot or automation control system.

Work Environment

Robotics technicians can work on repairing, programming, and maintaining robots or they can work on assembling and testing robots. Robotics technicians who work on maintaining and fixing robots usually work in manufacturing or production operations. These environments can vary from noisy and dirty factory floors to wafer fabrication clean rooms where the environment is strictly controlled. In both environments, robotics technicians must follow all safety procedures and wear safety gear. Robotics technicians who work on assembling and testing robots work in well-equipped laboratories.

Robotics technicians work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines may bring extra pressure to the job, requiring robotics technicians to work overtime hours. Shift work may be required for those employed by robot users. In factories, work may be scheduled over long holiday periods for installation of new robots or during major modifications.

Some robotics technicians travel to the customer's plant in order to install or service their robots.

On the Job

Build or assemble robotic devices or systems.

Disassemble and reassemble robots or peripheral equipment to make repairs, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, and servomotors.

Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.

Test performance of robotic assemblies using instruments such as oscilloscopes, voltmeters, and bridges.

Train robots using artificial intelligence software and interactive training techniques to perform simple or complex tasks, such as designing and carrying out a series of iterative tests of chemical samples.

Additional Support

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